Forest School

RATIONALE

At Cloughwood Academy, our Forest school curriculum is designed to support the needs of our pupils by offering a hands-on, practical subject outside the traditional classroom. Forest School is a unique, child-centred approach to learning that takes place in natural outdoor settings. It is designed to support the holistic development of children and young people by encouraging exploration, curiosity, and connection with the natural world.

Many of our pupils benefit from being outside, where they can move freely, engage their senses, and learn through hands-on experiences. Forest School provides a calm, nurturing environment that helps reduce anxiety, improve focus, and build confidence—especially for those who may struggle in traditional classroom settings.

Key benefits of Forest School include:

Emotional and social growth – Through teamwork, problem-solving, and shared experiences, students develop resilience, self-esteem, and positive relationships.
Physical development – Activities like climbing, building, and exploring help improve coordination, strength, and motor skills.
Cognitive and creative learning – Nature-based tasks spark curiosity and imagination, encouraging learners to think critically and creatively.
Connection to nature – Regular time outdoors fosters environmental awareness and a sense of responsibility for the world around us.
Forest School lessons are learner-led and flexible, allowing students to take ownership of their learning. Activities are carefully planned to match the seasons and the interests of the group, while also supporting key curriculum goals in a practical, meaningful way.
Ultimately, Forest School is more than just outdoor play—it’s a powerful way to re-engage pupils, support wellbeing, and build essential life skills in a natural, inclusive setting.

INTENT

The intent of the Forest School curriculum at Cloughwood Academy is to provide a holistic, hands-on, and child-centred approach to learning that fosters personal growth, independence, and wellbeing. Our aim is to use the natural environment as a classroom to engage pupils who may struggle in traditional settings, supporting emotional, social, cognitive, and physical development in a meaningful and motivating way.

Through Forest School, we intend to develop pupils’ confidence, resilience, teamwork, problem-solving skills, and environmental awareness. The curriculum is designed to be progressive and inclusive, enabling learners to build skills year-on-year through the Wild Passport Framework while allowing space for exploration, creativity, and pupil-led decision-making.

Forest School also aims to provide practical experiences that are relevant to real-life contexts, from fire lighting and tool use to shelter building and nature-based problem-solving. By engaging pupils in authentic, seasonal, and hands-on activities, we intend to nurture a lifelong connection to nature, support wellbeing, and equip learners with transferable life skills that will benefit them beyond school.

IMPLEMENTATION

At Cloughwood Academy, the Wild Passport Framework is embedded into our Forest School provision to provide a structured, progressive, and measurable approach to outdoor learning. This framework supports the development of practical skills, personal growth, and environmental awareness through five key skill areas: Shelter, Fire, Tool Use, Nature, and Rope & Knots.

1. Progressive Skill Development

The Wild Passport is designed across five levels, allowing pupils to build on their knowledge and skills year by year. Each level introduces new challenges and reinforces previous learning, ensuring a spiral model of progression. This supports long-term retention and mastery.

2. Personalised and Inclusive Learning

Activities are adapted to meet the diverse needs of our learners, including those with SEMH needs, learning difficulties, or sensory processing challenges. Tasks are broken down into manageable steps, with visual aids, modelling, and hands-on practice to support understanding and independence.

3. Integration with Forest School Ethos

The framework aligns closely with the Forest School philosophy, promoting child-led exploration, risk-taking, and connection with nature. Pupils are encouraged to take ownership of their learning, set personal goals, and reflect on their progress.

4. Assessment and Recognition

Progress is tracked using the Wild Passport record system, which provides clear evidence of achievement. This not only supports assessment but also boosts self-esteem, as pupils can see their growth and success over time. Certificates and milestones are celebrated to reinforce motivation and pride.

5. Real-World Relevance

Skills learnt through the Wild Passport—such as fire lighting, shelter building, and safe tool use—are not only engaging but also relevant to real-life contexts. These experiences help pupils develop resilience, problem-solving, teamwork, and a deeper respect for the natural world.

IMPACT

By the time pupils leave Cloughwood Academy, they will have developed key life skills such as resilience, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Regular outdoor activities will support their mental and physical well-being, helping them manage anxiety, stress, and sensory challenges. Through meaningful engagement with nature, they will gain a deeper understanding of the environment, sustainability, and their role in the community—broadening their cultural awareness. Pupils will leave feeling more confident in their abilities and motivated to pursue ambitious goals, regardless of their background. Their progress through the Wild Passport programme will provide clear evidence of their achievements in outdoor learning, boosting self-esteem and inspiring success in other areas of life.